Tortoise Sanctuary Closes

Officials told the owner she needed a zoo licence at Sticker because the creatures are "wild animals".

Joy Bloor refused.

She says she cannot afford the fees: "I haven't got words to express it really. I'm very, very disappointed and very upset about it. I just can't say more than that really.

"You can't class a tortoise as a wild animal. The only reason they're in the country is for the pet trade. The only reason they've ever come into the country is for of the pet trade. So if they're not pets, what are they?"

Joy has shut for the Winter but doubts she will be allowed to re-open next Easter.